RS17-19
SEASON FIVE
What do machine learning, data analytics, and freight visibility all have in common? They're all highlighted in this special season, featuring some of the most dynamic RoadSigns guests yet. How will machine learning enhance transportation software? How can fleets navigate the path ahead for data analytics and ELDs? These questions and more are all answered in Season Five of RoadSigns.
RS14-16
SEASON FOUR
"Is everything moving according to plan?" Supply chain managers in charge of procuring, shipping, storing, and managing those items find themselves fighting against the clock - constantly. Items deteriorate. Items are exposed to risk. Technologies purport to help manage both inventory and transit, help respond to customers, help increase transparency. This season of Road Signs focuses on our ability to see freight from all points along the supply chain.
RS11-13
SEASON THREE
This season, RoadSigns turns to the business side of commercial freight. Its mission: to understand more about the microeconomic conditions that pressure bottom lines and learn more about how top decision makers and creative entrepreneurs alleviate those pressures and find new ways to allocate some very scarce resources (like fuel and capacity).
RS5-7
SEASON INTERCESSION
Policy and Donald Trump. In this season of RoadSigns, we visit Capitol Hill to see what Congress is doing for infrastructure, mean while in California the first real electric ecosystem is established. Guest host Dan Ronan wonders, could what's happening at the ports of Southern California have consequences for the way the rest of the nations experiences an electric future?
RS1-4
SEASON ONE
Autonomy, electrification, and blockchain discoveries are the main theme of Season One of RoadSigns. In our pilot season, we find that new technologies are at the doorstep of the trucking industry promising to change the traditional system, improve freight efficiency, streamline business process, and help alleviate some really big pains.
RoadSigns podcast is available on:
Exploring the trends and technologies that are shaping the future of trucking.
RS104 | 27mins
Where Do Autonomous Trucks Fit Into Trucking's Future? Part 3
Some industry folks are still asking, what are the benefits of driverless cars and trucks? To weigh the pros and cons of autonomous technology, we bring in one of the autonomous vehicle industry’s true pioneers, Don Burnette — with more than ten years experience working on self-driving software development, he has tested the whole autonomous tech stack — from wheels and trailer sensors to asset utilization and 24/7 delivery. Tune in.
RS103 | 34mins
Where Do Autonomous Trucks Fit Into Trucking's Future? Part 2
Are you asking yourself: Will autonomous truck technology really improve efficiency in the transportation industry? Let's ask a leading expert on autonomous trucking, Peter Vaughan Schmidt, CEO of Torc Robotics. With his experience in this field, he has a keen understanding of the potential that autonomous technology holds for freight transportation. In this episode, he sets the record straight and provides a guide to realign your business with the true autonomous reality. Tune in.
RS102 | 55mins
Where Do Autonomous Trucks Fit Into Trucking's Future? Part 1
In this episode, host Seth Clevenger wonders how autonomous trucks can fit into the freight transportation industry? What are the potential use cases and business models for self-driving commercial vehicles? To find answers, we step into Waabi World with Waabi's chief commercial officer, Vivian Sun, and later we hear from autonomous vehicle pioneer, Jan Becker, CEO and co-founder of Apex.ai. Tune in.
RS8-10
SEASON TWO
Upgrade in progress. New technologies are increasingly accessible -- and in some cases required -- for trucking businesses. This season of RoadSigns takes a look at the very real technologies most likely to effect business operations this year. What is it like to cope in moments of technological transition? How does a business effectively shed old ways of doing things? Where will that business find new efficiencies, first?
RS20-22
SEASON SIX
This season, we take RoadSigns on the road to some of the industry's biggest trade shows. There, we discover transportation is becoming increasingly connected with more sensors, more data and more insights to help trucking and logistics providers operate more efficiently. We also cover the special topic of workplace inclusion and how a more diverse leadership team can create a competitive advantage in business.
22MINS
RS23: ROADSIGNS ROUNDABOUT
Thanks to the provocative predictions about our connected future, RoadSigns guests presented listeners with a pretty surprising picture of trucking and freight transportation. In this episode, we reflect on those themes and interviews from 2019. Host Seth Clevenger gives fresh commentary on the industry-wide transition to ELD, expansion of tracking and freight visibility technology, and the clarity you need to tackle truck tech's most complicated issues in the new year. Join us.
28 MINS
RS27: WHAT LIES AHEAD ON THE ROAD TO ELECTRIC TRUCKS?
In this episode, we’re going to take a fresh look at the road ahead for electric-powered commercial vehicles… How soon will electrification truly take hold of trucking, and in what applications? And what are the obstacles that early adopters will need to overcome? Join Seth Clevenger in Las Vegas, from the show floor of CES 2020, as he interviews Scott Newhouse, Peterbilt chief engineer, and Chris Nordh, senior director of advanced vehicle technology and energy products at Ryder System.
36 MINS
RS24: ROADSIGNS ROUNDABOUT: Automated Trucking
Thanks to the provocative predictions about our connected future, RoadSigns guests presented listeners with a pretty surprising picture of trucking and freight transportation. In this episode, we reflect on those themes and interviews from 2019. Host Seth Clevenger gives fresh commentary on the industry-wide transition to ELD, expansion of tracking and freight visibility technology, and the clarity you need to tackle truck tech's most complicated issues in the new year. Join us.
41 MINS
RS25: ROADSIGNS ROUNDABOUT: Automated Trucking Part II
Over the last few years, we've seen a great deal of investment in self-driving technology for commercial trucks. But what about trucking automation designed to support the driver rather than replace the driver? In past episodes, TuSimple Chief Product Officer Chuck Price and Pronto.ai co-founder and COO Ognen Stojanovski presented RoadSigns listeners with competing visions for automated trucks. Join us for Part II of our investigation of autonomous trucking, and put the machine-to-driver reality in the clearest view.
39 MINS
WHAT WILL THE RISE OF 5G MEAN FOR TRUCKING?
There's a lot of hype around 5G. Whether it be phone service or supply chain visibility, 5G wireless networks promise greater bandwidth, faster speeds and improved reliability – all of which could help accelerate the expansion of onboard sensors and connected devices on commercial trucks and trailers. At the same time, the supply chain disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic shined a light on the importance of telematics and freight visibility technology.
31 MINS
RS26: WHAT DID CES 2020 REVEAL ABOUT THE FUTURE OF TRUCKING?
What was trucking doing at 2020 CES? This is the question that drives host Seth Clevenger to Las Vegas and the event formerly known for crazy consumer gadgets. There, he meets Rich Mohr, chief technology officer for Ryder Fleet Management Solutions, and Stephan Olsen, general manager of the PACCAR Innovation Center. Listen in as these innovators help him see how high tech the industry has become, and how you can prepare for this new age of trucking.
44 MINS
RS30: IS IT TIME FOR FLEETS TO ACCELERATE REPLACEMENT CYCLES FOR ONBOARD TECH?
Much of the trucking industry continues to rely on older onboard technology for mission-critical functions such as electronic logging of driver hours of service. This reliance on legacy systems can hurt reliability and efficiency, particularly with the sunsetting of 3G networks. So, is it time for fleets and their technology vendors to implement faster replacement cycles for onboard tech? How soon will fleets need to make this transition?
26 MINS
RS29: WHO WILL REPAIR THE TRUCKS OF TOMORROW?
Driver recruiting and turnover have been persistent challenges for trucking companies, but the industry is also struggling to attract a new generation of technicians to maintain and repair the increasingly high-tech trucks that move the nation’s freight. What's next? Will maintenance shops finally find ways to revolutionize recruiting? To answer these questions, Seth Clevenger sits with the two people most-focused on the new technician hunt.
36 MINS
RS28: WHAT CAN PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS REVEAL ABOUT DRIVER SAFETY?
Driver safety is paramount for trucking companies, but determining which drivers are most likely to be involved in a crash is no simple task. As it taps into a variety of data sources, predictive analytics software helps to reduce the guesswork. What will this technology reveal? How will it help us mine data and discover behavior patterns in drivers? To get answers, Seth Clevenger turns to the data guys. In this episode, he talks with Hayden Cardiff, CEO of Idelic, and Ashim Bose, chief data scientist at Omnitracs.
30 MINS
RS31: HOW ARE TEST DRIVERS PAVING THE WAY FOR TRUCK PLATOONING?
Two trucks travel together in a tight formation on the highway, linked by connected vehicle technology. When the driver of the lead truck brakes, the following truck automatically follows suit. The two move synchronously along a route, maintaining close proximity and securing improved fuel economy. Test drivers now at the helm of these truck platoons say the experience is a lot like using adaptive cruise control on steroids.
39 MINS
RS32: HOW IS SUPPLY CHAIN VISIBILITY EASING LOGISTICS CHALLENGES AMID THE COV-19 CRISIS?
COVID-19 has been a wake-up call to many businesses and their ability to mobilize rapidly, set up crisis management mechanisms, and build the supply chain resilience that will see them through to the other side. So, what can the supply chain do when disaster strikes? How can fleets, shippers, and 3PLs better prepare for volatile freight demand? In this episode, we find that knowledge is essential.
35 MINS
RS33: HOW ARE TRUCKING COMPANIES WEATHERING THE CORONAVIRUS STORM?
There is no playbook for navigating the COVID-19 crisis. Yet, open communication and access to a virtual work place can ease the transition to a remote environment and help ensure that essential freight arrives on time. But what about those who can't work from home? What about the front line drivers? How can trucking companies adjust their operations to ensure that essential freight keeps moving while protecting their workers?
37 MINS
HOW ARE LOGISTICS COMPANIES MANAGING DISRUPTION DURING COV-19 PANDEMIC?
COVID-19 has placed significant strain on many freight networks. While some businesses ground to a halt, others raced to meet demand spikes. So how are third-party logistics providers adapting to meet these challenges? And how will this crisis change supply chains in the long run? To get answers, Seth Clevenger chats with two 3PL (third-party logistics) executives who have had first-hand experience contending with this crisis.
22 MINS
ROADSIGNS ROUNDABOUT: TRUCKING'S RESPONSE TO COVID-19
If you're in the transportation industry, you know that COVID-19 has changed the rules of business. New sanitation processes, social distancing measures, and proper hygiene methods now inform everyday processes. At the same time, the pandemic has disrupted supply chains and created market volatility. So, we ask, how are businesses performing under this new work environment?
31 MINS
HOW CAN FLEETS GET A BETTER HANDLE ON SPEEDING?
Higher speeds can ultimately translate to higher insurance claims. Safety is crucial to any fleet operation, and speeding is a key factor that can contribute to costly crashes. So how can fleet managers harness technology to get a better handle on vehicle speed and improve their safety culture? Host Seth Clevenger brings in Mathieu Boivin, president and CEO of E-Smart and Jonathan Hubbard, CEO at SpeedGauge, to discuss how a fleet's speed management practices can impact both driver safety and risk management strategies .
38 MINS
2023 YEAR IN PREVIEW
C.H. Robinson CEO steps down, potential recession looms, and House Republicans focus on an in-depth examination of the Biden administration’s infrastructure funding priorities. With uncertainty in the air, what is the outlook for trucking in 2023? How will the industry change with the current government, economic and business trends? To guide you through this spate of trucking news, host Michael Freeze turns to the experts — Transport Topics' Congressional Reporter Eugene Mulero and Business Reporter Connor Wolf. Tune in.
40 MINS
HOW IS CONNECTED-VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMING FLEET MANAGEMENT?
There's a lot of hype around 5G. Whether it be phone service or supply chain visibility, 5G wireless networks promise greater bandwidth, faster speeds and improved reliability – all of which could help accelerate the expansion of onboard sensors and connected devices on commercial trucks and trailers. At the same time, the supply chain disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic shined a light on the importance of telematics and freight visibility technology.
35 MINS
ELECTRIC IS COMING, BUT WHAT ARE TRUCKING'S OTHER ALTERNATIVES TO DIESEL?
In this episode we find that other alternatives, such as natural gas and propane, offer balance and help us widen our view of trucking's future. To find out more about alternative fuels, host Seth Clevenger talks with Chad Lindholm, vice president of natural gas provider Clean Energy, and Stuart Weidie, president of a nationwide propane autogas fueling network, Alliance Autogas. Tune in.
28 MINS
WD1: WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO TRAIN A CLASS 8 TECHNICIAN?
New approaches to diesel technician recruitment and retention may help you secure the best possible hires and secure your business investments. So, we ask, what are fleets doing to help attract that talent to join the changing workforce environment? Have tech training schools discovered the secrets of better technician preparation? In this episode, we join the hunt for Class 8 technicians. Host Michael Freeze speaks with Ken Boyer, Dean of the Auto/Diesel Institute and Diesel Services Program Director at Baker College and Ralph Romero, Vice President of Talent Management at US Xpress.
32 MINS
WD2: WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF TRAINING A COMMERCIAL DRIVER?
New approaches to diesel technician recruitment and retention may help you secure the best possible hires and secure your business investments. So, we ask, what are fleets doing to help attract that talent to join the changing workforce environment? Have tech training schools discovered the secrets of better technician preparation? In this episode, we join the hunt for Class 8 technicians. Host Michael Freeze speaks with Ken Boyer, Dean of the Auto/Diesel Institute and Diesel Services Program Director at Baker College and Ralph Romero, Vice President of Talent Management at US Xpress.
31 MINS
WD3: WHAT IS THE INDUSTRY DOING TO INCLUDE MORE WOMEN?
In this episode, we dive beneath the surface and discover the ways the trucking industry is trying to encourage women to pursue careers in both trucking and logistics. We ask, what are industry executives doing to help bring more women into the fold, not only as drivers, but in leadership roles? To get the clearest insight on the issue, host Mike Freeze talks with Ellen Voie, President and CEO of Women in Trucking and Debora Babin Katz, Vice President of TrucBrush Corporation. Although there is more pavement to cover, the road to more women in trucking is getting shorter and shorter. Tune in.
17 MINS
WD4: ROADSIGNS ROUNDABOUT: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED ABOUT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT?
Over the past few episodes, we've had the chance to listen to the experiences of industry leaders and the strategies and planning that go into finding the right people for your workforce. With their insight, we unlocked numerous tips to keep your workforce functioning and profitable. So, this week, host Michael Freeze reviews the most important bullet points, from technician and driver training to incorporating diversity in both recruitment and retention. Tune in, and find your ideal workforce.
29 MINS
WD5: WHAT IS THE INDUSTRY DOING TO TRAIN AND PREPARE TRUCK DRIVERS?
Does incentivizing your drivers keep you up at night? Do you worry that competitive pay may not be enough? Would you be surprised to learn that cultivating successful benefits programs might be as easy as making sure your drivers are healthy, happy and prepared? In this episode, host Michael Freeze takes a look at the surprising ways trucking companies are building strong, resilient cultures and attracting talent that stays.
New episodes of our on-the-road podcast, RoadShow. Listen to those episodes here.
27 MINS
WD6: HOW DOES THE INDUSTRY RECRUIT AND NURTURE WORKPLACE DIVERSITY?
As a recruiter in the industry, it’s getting more difficult to find the ample workforce needed to deliver the necessary goods nationwide. You’ve tried all the proper recruiting channels - upward mobility, compensation packages, exploring different professional pockets - but have you considered inclusion and diversity in your marketing approach? According to Shelley Dellinger, marketing at Cargo Transporters and Alphonso Lewis, ATA’s Road Team Captain and YRC Freight driver, diversity in recruitment methods are essential. In this episode, we find that including people of color and members of the LGBTQ community in your marketing approach may just be the key to a stronger and more affluent workforce.
17 MINS
HOW HAS COVID-19 ALTERED LOGISTICS PLANNING FOR THIS THANKSGIVING?
How has turkey to table changed this year? What obstacles are suppliers going through to get turkeys to the grocery stores? From safety regulations in meat packing factories to restaurants closed nationwide, fleets and suppliers have to pivot to stay afloat. Join us as we talk with J.J. Smith, President of Valley Proteins, about how staying open-minded and flexible helped his business of delivering turkeys persevere.
38 MINS
ROADSIGNS ROUNDABOUT: 2020 YEAR-IN-REVIEW PART TWO
In 2020, COVID strained business stability, yet trucking persevered. What were the greatest pain points? What were the biggest lessons? In this episode, we discuss the answers to these questions and cover everything from gas tax to remote work. With the help of our special guests, Seth Clevenger, Managing Editor, Features of Transport Topics and Eleanor Lamb, Transport Topics reporter, we’ll not only start to put the year of COVID in perspective for truckers, we’ll also begin to map a plan for 2021.
38 MINS
ROADSIGNS ROUNDABOUT: 2020 YEAR-IN-REVIEW PART ONE
In this special two-part year-in-review, we take off the COVID-19 glasses, and take a good look at the technology and regulatory developments that will help you and your business in 2021. From FMCSA updates that affected Hours of Service to software and equipment, 2020 offered a lot of “non-covid” industry improvements. To get the clearest vision of the upcoming year, we bring in Transport Topics Reporter, Eleanor Lamb and Managing Editor, Features, Seth Clevenger to talk about these advancements and how they will help you navigate 2021. Tune in.
36 MINS
WILL TECHNOLOGY CONVERGENCE STREAMLINE FLEET MANAGEMENT?
Adopt new tech, and you'll run a more efficient operation, but what happens when your trucking tech stack becomes unruly? With copious amounts of data sitting in different silos and redundant in-cab hardware, fleets are left scrambling. In this episode, we ask, how can we cut down on these redundancies? And what can be done to streamline fleet management practices? To get answers, we talk with Ray Greer, CEO of Omnitracs, which acquired SmartDrive last year in an effort to converge tech and improve user experience. Tune in to find out where trucking technology is heading in 2021.
39 MINS
HOW CAN FLEETS HARNESS DATA TO SAVE FUEL AND CUT EMISSIONS?
Sustainable trucking is here. A growing number of shippers, focused on reducing carbon emissions in their supply chains, are looking for more efficient freight transportation services. Federal and state clean air regulations only underscore that demand. Gone, though, are the days when going green simply meant added costs for truckers. In fact, in 2021, fleets may find more boon than burden. One key step is learning to harness and manage the data to reduce fuel consumption. In this episode, we'll talk to two major players in the transportation technology sector that are helping fleets move closer to total supply chain sustainability. Tune in.
35 MINS
HOW IS CONSOLIDATION RESHAPING TRUCKING'S TECHNOLOGY MARKET?
A long line of mergers and acquisitions have dramatically reshaped the trucking technology sector over the past decade. But what does this consolidation trend mean for the trucking and logistics companies that rely on these technologies? In this episode, Seth Clevenger speaks with James Langley, senior vice president at Trimble Transportation, on the modernization of tech stacks and how freight technology companies are coming together to reach a common end goal: making fleet operations more efficient. Tune in.
47 MINS
WILL MACHINE LEARNING POWER THE FUTURE OF TRUCKING SOFTWARE?
From nuclear verdicts to the driver shortage, modern trucking companies face serious challenges. But what if you could prevent accidents and driver turnover before they happen? In this episode, host Seth Clevenger speaks with two technology CEOs to discuss how machine learning can enable better business decisions and a more proactive stance on safety. Tune in and find out how you can mitigate risk before it's too late.
34 MINS
HOW IS TECHNOLOGY IMPROVING DRIVER SAFETY?
A safe driver is a productive driver, and a productive driver leads to better business. In order to keep business productive, fleets invest in tech-based safety tools that inform and forewarn potential risk. But, have you ever thought that it’s actually up to the drivers to heed those calls? Host, Michael Freeze has. And so, too, have many of the nation's truck fleet owners. So, how do you condition and prepare drivers to respond to tech-influenced safety alerts? Find out as the RoadSigns Team speaks with Tom DiSalvi, VP of Safety at Schneider National and Charlie Mohn, Director of Product Innovation, Drivewyze. Tune in.
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19 MINS
HOW HAS THE INDUSTRY'S EXECUTION OF VACCINE DISTRIBUTION FARED THUS FAR?
When you think about COVID-19 vaccine strategy, vials and needles come to mind rather than supply chain portals and cargo visibility tools. That isn't the case for DHL's Larry St Onge and Jim Monkmeyer. Since before the pandemic, they set up strategies and implemented technology in order to respond to disruptions like COVID-19. Now, they know exactly how to get the vaccine from point A to point B – and, better, how to do it at a global scale. Tune in and find out how they made a nearly impossible task, possible.
29 MINS
WHAT CAN TRUCKING DO TO INCLUDE MORE DIVERSITY?
Finding a job in the trucking industry: You have the talent ambition and drive, but how can you get in the right room? In front of the right people? People of color are asking themselves these questions more often than not. Currently, only 14.3% of the truck driver population is made up of African Americans, followed by 13% Hispanic, and 7% Asian. In this episode, host Michael Freeze wonders what industry leaders are doing to increase those percentages in driving roles, leadership positions, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Turns out, it has a lot to do with being in the right room at the right time, but who is opening those doors? Find out, as we talk to two trucking industry experts who have implemented their own practices that are contributing to a more diverse work community.
39 MINS
WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO MAKE AUTONOMOUS TRUCKING A REALITY?
Have you been imagining a driverless future where the machines do all the work and humans watch? You might be in for a surprise. Even at Level 4 autonomy, self-driving trucks will have technical limitations. They will be designed for specific applications that are best suited to automation. They’ll also require industry buy-in and public acceptance. In this episode, we ask how technology developers are clearing those hurdles to make autonomous trucking a reality. And how might the trucking industry improve safety and efficiency by combining automation and human labor in the future? To find out, we bring in Boris Sofman, head of engineering for the autonomous trucking program at Waymo. Tune in and learn more about the road ahead for self-driving trucks.
32 MINS
HOW IS UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ADVANCING TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY?
Next-level technologies hold the potential to enhance safety and efficiency in the transportation industry, but it takes a lot of work behind the scenes to advance these ideas from concept to reality. In many cases, that process involves industrialists, entrepreneurs and leading university researchers coming together to rethink common practices and put emerging technologies to the test. At the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon, principal project scientist Christoph Mertz cultivates predictive road maintenance technology to ease the pain of potholes and basic infrastructure roadblocks. Meanwhile, at the University of Michigan, Huei Peng leads the MCity consortium to support the development of automated and connected vehicle technology. Tune in to find out how they are paving the way for the technologies of the future.
32 MINS
ELECTRIC TRUCK ARE HERE, BUT HOW QUICKLY WILL THEY TAKE OFF?
The year is 2039. Zero-emission, electric heavy-duty trucks roll past you on the highway. Charging ports are now commonplace at terminals and truck stops. Diesel powered vehicles are becoming a thing of the past. You sit and wonder: how did we get here?
The answer is complex and involves the convergence of several key factors, including a society-wide push to improve environmental sustainability, major advances in electric-vehicle technology, fleet participation in vehicle testing and development, broad investments in charging infrastructure and a holistic approach to the entire electric ecosystem that captured imaginations at the right time. Here, in 2021, Daimler Trucks North America's head of eMobility speaks to RoadSigns. Tune in.
32 MINS
HOW IS THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY APPROACHING THE CONTINUAL ISSUE OF TRUCK PARKING?
The story of a crowded parking lot: slow stops, the lack of reserved spots, and the race to an empty space. We've all been there, but what if the lack of a parking spot had an effect on how well you did your job? Or, even made it hard for you to fill basic human needs - like eating or sleeping? When the pandemic started, drivers faced crowded parking lots, closed rest areas, and minimal road side support. And now, almost a year and a half later, they still face the fear of not finding a place to park, which means having no place to rest. In this episode, host Michael Freeze seeks answers to this wearying question from those on the forefront of research and legislative action.
19 MINS
TIRE INFLATION TECHNOLOGY: TPMS OR ATIS?
How do you care for your tires? In this episode, host Michael Freeze sets out to answer tire inflation questions all fleet owners should be asking to protect their tires and, essentially, their business. Like, what factors should fleets consider when investing in systems like tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and automatic tire inflation systems (ATIS)? And where do these systems take the industry in the future, especially when talking about maintenance and fuel economy? To get answers we bring in Matt Wilson, General Manager of the Controls Business Unit & Trailer Commercial Vehicle Systems for Hendrickson, the leading global manufacturer and supplier of medium and heavy-duty tire pressure control systems. Tune in.
26 MINS
HOW IS THE E-COMMERCE BOOM RESHAPING LOGISTICS?
On May 25, 2021, five individuals pled guilty to staging two accidents in New Orleans with tractor-trailers in 2017, while obtaining fraudulent financial settlements totaling more than $282,000. Such settlements are crushing for businesses, and have carried monetary burden. The threat to businesses has increased, as those implicated faced questions about safety and spiked insurance rates. In this episode we ask, is the situation surrounding fraudulent settlements getting worse or better in 2021? To get answers, host Michael Freeze talks with Transport Topics government reporters, Eric Miller and Eleanor Lamb about what industry leaders are doing to combat lawsuit abuse. Tune in.
28 MINS
HOW ARE STATE GOVERNMENTS HANDLING REGULATORY ISSUES SO FAR IN 2021?
On May 25, 2021, five individuals pled guilty to staging two accidents in New Orleans with tractor-trailers in 2017, while obtaining fraudulent financial settlements totaling more than $282,000. Such settlements are crushing for businesses, and have carried monetary burden. The threat to businesses has increased, as those implicated faced questions about safety and spiked insurance rates. In this episode we ask, is the situation surrounding fraudulent settlements getting worse or better in 2021? To get answers, host Michael Freeze talks with Transport Topics government reporters, Eric Miller and Eleanor Lamb about what industry leaders are doing to combat lawsuit abuse. Tune in.
18 MINS
ROUNDABOUT: 2021 MID-YEAR REVIEW
Could this be the trucking industry’s roaring ‘20s? Business is booming - thanks, in part, to a huge slew of new, innovative technologies finally coming online. Cold storage. Autonomous. Electric. Machine Learning. Once the key descriptors associated with a far-off future have, in six months, become part integral to this phenomenal success. In this episode, we analyze this boom in all of its parts. And, along with host Mike Freeze, we begin to wonder what’s next? Will the boom continue? Tune in to see what's in store for the rest of 2021.
34 MINS
The internet of things has bound fleets and their trucks together in new ways — tying fleets to shippers and shippers to loads and loads to trucks. We're no longer talking about the type of data or, even the potential of data. We've marched into a new stasis – one of action. In this episode, we ask, how do company leaders activate strong data gathering and analytics programs? What are the next-step actions? And who in the organization is best positioned to manage this process? Host Seth Clevenger seeks a plan of action with two experts of fleet-management technology, Andrew Johnson, chief marketing officer at PrePass Safety Alliance and Chris Orban, vice president of data science at Trimble Transportation. Tune in.
31 MINS
You can attract potential employees by increasing pay, right? It's not always that easy. While fleet managers are offering higher pay rates, both new and experienced drivers want quality equipment and places to park. In this episode, we ask, how can fleet managers make their drivers feel more appreciated? And what else can fleets do to recruit and retain quality talent? To get answers, host Michael Freeze talks with founder and CEO of DriverReach, Jeremy Reymer. Tune in.
39 MINS
Hauling freight in the middle of a heat wave is hard. But remembering to stay hydrated and healthy while working in those conditions can make all the difference. Fleet managers are finding that healthy, happy drivers are one of the keys to business success. This episode features a special guest who has overcome his own health problems and is now sharing his experiences to help professional drivers live healthier lifestyles out on the road. Stephen Kane, president and creator of Rolling Strong, explains that driver health starts with “learning about yourself and being vulnerable enough to listen to somebody that knows about health.” In this episode we learn to listen.
34 MINS
If you ask 100 truck drivers what could make life better, you'll start seeing answers that all look the same — improvement on troubling health issues and education of emerging technologies. Drivers want to perform well, and feel good while doing it. So, how can the industry tackle both? Find out as we talk to Paul Beavers, Chief Technology Officer at PCS Software, a leading AI-driven transportation management platform provider, and Dr. Bethany Dixon, owner of the Drivers Health Clinic, clinics conveniently located inside truck stops, bringing health care where the driver needs it the most. Tune in and find out how you can improve your drivers' lives on the road.
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37 MINS
The open road, the crisp air of the Appalachians, a sunset that seems to go for miles. Here, joy lives in rubber and thrives on pavement. Some who drive trucks feel it strongly. They seek that joy in every turn. Their job becomes their passion that drives them to excellence. And that excellence leads them to great reward. They are America's greatest drivers, the Road Team Captains. This episode is about those who fall passionately in love with trucks, featuring ABF driver Nate McCarty, former America's Road Team Captain, and Elisabeth Barna, COO and executive vice president for American Trucking Associations. Tune in and get ready for a good love story.
30 MINS
Shortages. Drivers, technicians, trucks, microchips. In this episode, we focus on technicians, and lack thereof. Research shows that 41 percent of technicians leave the industry within the first two years. Host Michael Freeze asks, how can technician recruiters and maintenance leaders decrease that percentage? What practices help retain and recruit quality technicians? In order to find the incentives that work we talked with Ana Salcido, technician recruitment manager for Navistar and Stacy Earnhardt, Technology & Maintenance Council Chairman. Tune in.
29 MINS
Trucking managers have a lot on their plates. Keeping their business afloat is more difficult than ever. Exploring cost-saving practices has become part of their everyday operation. In this episode, host Michael Freeze asks, how are companies saving money by leasing trucks rather than owning? With continued industry obstacles, has truck leasing become more attractive to fleet owners? For answers, we speak with Jim Lager, Senior Vice President of Penske Truck Leasing and Al Barner, Senior Vice President, Strategic Fleet Solutions at Fleet Advantage. Tune in.
43 MINS
This year for Veterans Day, we revisit the sometimes invisible heroes – the ones who protect our country in combat, and those who keep our nation fed, clothed, and vaccinated. Join us as host and Navy Veteran Michael Freeze sits down with Army Veterans James Rogers, owner of Spartan Direct Trucking Company and 2020 Transport Topics' Trucking's Frontline Hero, and John Baxter, equipment columnist. Tune in.
28 MINS
Did you ever wonder how they get big rigs to stop? All that weight transferred efficiently and effectively - defying Newton’s rules of inertia. Big rig braking is an engineering marvel whose greatest successes are… silent (because, well, everything stops). In this episode, RoadSigns host Michael Freeze finds out more about the advanced technology that halts eighteen wheelers, no matter the weight, instantaneously. Whether you are a fleet manager, a trucking tech geek, or into cool engineering — this episode is for you. Tune in.
20 MINS
Retired trucker Gene Woolsey doesn't think twice about driving into the middle of an historic storm to deliver basic supplies. And, when great storms bear down on his Louisiana community, trucking company head Cully Frisard stays in the danger zone and coordinates relief efforts. In this special episode of RoadSigns, host Mike Freeze hopes to discover what makes these do-gooders do so much good. What makes them tick? How do they understand chaos and respond so admirably? And what lessons can we learn from them? Join him as he plunges deep into these truckers' hero stories to attempt to uncover the secrets of doing good work.
22 MINS
According to McKinsey, the trucking industry is expected to recover from the effects of the pandemic fastest of all transportation modes. In this special 2021 roundabout episode, we look back at how trucking not only worked to recover but also improve through the darkest of times, how innovators continued innovating, how food and water still made it to grocery store shelves, and how life-saving vaccines made it into arms nationwide. Tune in as host Michael Freeze looks back at challenges that made our industry wiser, finding better solutions to keep the world moving forward in 2022.
33 MINS
How is cutting-edge technology making its way into the trucking industry? This question, among others, is what took host Seth Clevenger to CES in Las Vegas. The popular technology show known for weird gadgets and advanced robotics has turned its spotlight on something bigger – electric-powered and autonomous trucking. But what did these flashy exhibits exhibits tell us about trucking's future and the real-life application of these technologies? Find out as Seth sits down with Joe Adams, chief engineer at Kenworth Truck Co., and Cheng Lu, CEO of self-driving truck developer TuSimple. Tune in.
37 MINS
New year, new resilience. While continuous issues like the driver shortage, supply chain congestion, COVID-19 variants, and infrastructure funding persisted in 2020 and 2021, trucking's ability to adapt grew stronger. The more the industry lived in this repetitive swirl, the more conditioned and responsive it became. Now, in 2022, trucking business leaders have better, stronger fixes for those things plaguing their operations. In this episode, host Mike Freeze uncovers more about the lessons 2020 and 2021 taught trucking's business leaders and, along with reporters Connor Wolf and Eugene Mulero, discovers how those lessons offer business and legislative solutions in the year ahead. Tune in.
46 MINS
HOW ARE LOGISTICS PROVIDERS MANAGING SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTION?
“Supply-chain issues.” Whether you’re a carrier, shipper, 3PL, manufacturer, retailer or consumer, you’ve felt the ripple effect of ongoing supply-chain disruptions. In addition to shortages of products, parts and materials, the freight transportation industry has been facing severe workforce constraints during the economic recovery from the pandemic. On top of that, the logistics sector is becoming more complex as demand increases for e-commerce fulfillment and reverse logistics services. So, how are third-party logistics companies meeting consumer demand in the midst of these industry shortages? To get answers, host Seth Clevenger speaks with Neil Shelton, chief strategy officer at GXO, and Cathy Roberson, research manager at the Reverse Logistics Association. Tune in.
48 MINS
HOW ARE FLEETS AND MANUFACTURERS HANDLING EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND TRAILER EFFICIENCY?
More efficient = less emissions = greener planet, right? Trailer manufacturers and fleets are discovering it's not that simple. To be more efficient means following strict legislative rules, fielding customer feedback, uprooting old, dated practices, and training technicians for new technology. So, how are fleets and manufactures navigating this change? And, how has the GHG Phase 2 rule encouraged the change? Find out as host Michael Freeze speaks with Taki Darakos Vice President, Vehicle Maintenance & Fleet, Pitt Ohio and Dustin Smith, Chief Strategy Officer at Wabash National. Tune in.
51 MINS
HOW ARE DEVELOPERS PAVING THE WAY TO AUTONOMOUS TRUCKING?
You’ve known that self-driving trucks are coming at some point in the future. You sense the optimism of developers and engineers, but you still wonder about how they will solve the really complex problems associated with freight transportation and logistics. This episode gives you a status report. It looks at what we know and what we’re still learning about autonomous vehicle technology. It surveys the on-road test landscape and gives you an idea of what is working and not working with today’s technology. With the help of Robert Brown, chief strategy officer at Spartan Radar, and Charlie Jatt, head of commercialization for the autonomous trucking division at Waymo, we assess real-world adoption strategies. Tune in to learn more about the road to autonomous trucking.
32 MINS
HOW ARE INDUSTRY LEADERS BEGINNING TO ADDRESS THE DRIVER AND TECHNICIAN SHORTAGE?
The lack of technicians and drivers is forcing industry recruiters to think outside of the box — using new, different trucking tech to attract the younger generation. In this episode, host Michael Freeze asks, how do we get this generation in cabs and maintenance bays? What new, actionable plans are in place to grab hold of this age group? To get recruitment solutions, he sits down with Technology and Maintenance Council Chairman, Randy Obermeyer and Brenda Neville, President & CEO of the Iowa Motor Truck Association.
32 MINS
HOW ARE TIRE MANUFACTURERS POSITIONING THEMSELVES IN THE WAVE OF NEW TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGY?
rguably the most important invention in modern times, the tire still has more future ahead of it. From smart tires with radio frequency identification and data tracking to enhanced inflation and pressure systems — manufacturers are discovering more ways to predict maintenance and communicate with the truck as a whole. With new tire technology rolling in, host Michael Freeze wonders, what does the future of tire maintenance look like? How will these trends coincide with other tech advances happening across the industry? To get answers, he sits down with Yokohama's Tom Clauer and Goodyear's Austin Crayne and Jessica Julian. Tune in.
39 MINS
INSIDE TRANSPORT TOPICS' TOP 100LOGISTICS COMPANIES LIST
More than ever before, shippers have been relying on the services of third-party logistics providers to navigate supply chain disruptions and scarce truck capacity. In this episode, we explore how 3PLs are working to resolve these historic challenges. Transport Topics' Seth Clevenger, managing editor of features, and Marissa Gamache, features coordinator, take you through the process of determining North America’s largest 3PLs in the expanded Transport Topics Top 100 Logistics Companies list. Tune in.
21 MINS
HOW WILL THE EPA'S RECOMMENDED NOX EMISSIONS RULE AFFECT THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY?
The new proposed NOx standard, announced March 28 of this year, is set to reduce emissions of smog- and soot-forming nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty gasoline and diesel engines by 60-percent. Sounds great, right? Not quite, truck manufactures are now burdened to meet the rule stipulations— in this episode, host Michael Freeze asks, what are the realities and challenges of the NOx ruling? And, how is this ultimately leading to the electric future? To get answers, we bring in Glen Kedzie, energy and environmental counsel for the American Trucking Associations and Eric Miller, government reporter at Transport Topics. Tune in.
37 MINS
HOW ARE FLEETS CONSIDERING INSURANCE COVERAGE?
According to the latest American Transportation Research Institute report, 90% of carriers saw their insurance premiums increase between 2018 and 2020 — per-mile costs jumping from 59 cents to 87 cents. As a fleet owner, high rates put a squeeze on operational costs, profits, and employee salaries. So, what can fleets do to compete against insurance costs? Can new technology provide relief to rising premiums? In this episode, host Michael Freeze finds answers with guests Jane Jazrawy, CEO of Carriers Edge and David Berno, Chief Sales Officer at Hub International. Tune in.
35 MINS
HOW ARE ELECTRIC TRUCK MANUFACTURERS HANDLING THE FUTURE OF EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE?
The truck maintenance bay is about to get a... shock. Now that the industry has accepted an EV reality and fleets plan for a comprehensive shift to the new fueling technology, questions pile up concerning the new maintenance shop: What does the EV maintenance cycle look like? How are technicians being trained to repair these new machines? For answers, host Michael Freeze turns to one of the youngest CEOs of a publicly traded company, Thomas Healy, founder of Hyliion, and Tom Lincoln, National Field Sales and Service Manager at DANA. Tune in.
28 MINS
HOW CAN ONBOARDING PROCESSES HELP RETAIN DRIVERS?
Turnover for a single driver can cost trucking businesses up to $15,000 in replacement costs. Even worse, only 35% of new drivers make it through the first 90 days. In this episode we ask, how can trucking companies persuade new drivers to stay? What onboarding practices actually work? For answers, host Mike Freeze brings in onboarding expert Anthony Pellegrino, president and chief operations officer at Ag Energy Transport. Save your greatest assets, tune in.
28 MINS
INSIDE TRANSPORT TOPICS' TOP 100 FOR HIRE LIST
Do you ever wonder what it takes for a trucking company to rise to the top? Or what successful operations look like from the inside? The Transport Topics Top 100 For-Hire Carriers list ranks the largest players in the trucking industry. In this episode, the makers of this year’s Top 100 list uncover the roots of top-player revenue and success – and what it means for the supply chain. Tune in.
56 MINS
HOW CAN 3PLS OPTIMIZE CAPACITY AND PRICING?
Are supply chain woes being exaggerated? Not if you ask transportation industry experts. Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, inflation, surging fuel prices and the ongoing war in Ukraine, the logistics environment has been extremely volatile and customer management is tricky at best. In this episode, we talk to 3PL problem-solvers who make it their mission to stabilize this volatile environment with improved intelligence on freight pricing and capacity — using technology solutions to improve their customer competitiveness. Tune in.
15 MINS
ROUNDABOUT: HOW IS THE WORKER SHORTAGE AFFECTING THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY THIS YEAR?
With U.S. unemployment at 3.6% some are left wondering - is the 'labor shortage' a lie? What logical reason is there for a labor shortage? For trucking, there are many reasons. In this special roundabout episode, host Michael Freeze looks back on the first half of 2022 and unveils why trucking companies are still struggling to find the workers they need to be successful. Tune in.
19 MINS
WHAT WILLTHE FUTURE OF EV RECHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE LOOK LIKE?
With U.S. unemployment at 3.6% some are left wondering - is the 'labor shortage' a lie? What logical reason is there for a labor shortage? For trucking, there are many reasons. In this special roundabout episode, host Michael Freeze looks back on the first half of 2022 and unveils why trucking companies are still struggling to find the workers they need to be successful. Tune in.
30 MINS
HOW WILL THE RISE OF SMART TRAILERS CHANGE FLEET MANAGEMENT?
Siamak Azmoudeh knows you and your drivers don't want to waste time finding the right trailer. And he knows your fleet needs to maximize trailer utilization to get the most out of those assets. In this episode, Azmoudeh, vice president of product lifecycle management and business development at Skybitz, discusses the rise of the smart trailer and why the industry standard is shifting toward more sensors, more data and more business intelligence. In this conversation with RoadSigns host Seth Clevenger, Azmoudeh explains the evolution of trailer telematics and how to set metrics-driven goals for a more profitable future. Tune in.
49 MINS
INSIDE TRANSPORT TOPICS' TOP 100 PRIVATE CARRIERS LIST
Private carriers play a pivotal role in freight transportation across many sectors of the economy. Nowhere is that fact clearer than in the food service sector. During the past year, grocery chains, food service distributors, and beverage delivery fleets grew in shipping prowess and power units. What factors contributed to this growth? What does this reveal about the supply chain in 2022? And what is happening with private fleets in other key industries? In this special edition of RoadSigns, hosts Seth Clevenger and Mike Freeze explore those questions as they provide an inside look at Transport Topics’ 2022 Top 100 Private Carriers list.
41 MINS
WHAT ARE FLEETS DOING TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES IN DRIVER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION?
80,000 drivers. Trucking companies say that they need that many drivers this year to keep up with demand. But, despite increases in pay and recruitment budgets, these companies are worried that 80,000 is an impossible goal. So, what else can you do? In this episode, Tamara Jalving, VP of safety and talent acquisition at Yellow, helps us see solutions through fleet eyes, while Connor Wolf, TT's resident expert, gives us the broader industry view. Tune in.
28 MINS
HOW CAN COMPANIES PROPERLY WINTERIZE THEIR FLEETS?
Winter is coming. Fleet owners know that a little bit of gas tank condensation is no big deal in summer months, but come December – this means breakdowns. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to winterizing your fleet. So what is your preventive maintenance plan for the upcoming winter season? How can you plan and avoid critical hiccups that wouldn't surface in the warmer months? This episode provides a how-to winterizing guide featuring two guys who never stop thinking of the cold — Bill Lindsay, Director of Fleet Operations at Clean Harbors and Brian Antonellis, Senior Vice President of Fleet Operations at Fleet Advantage. Tune in.
19 MINS
WHAT IMPACT WILL THE 2022 MIDTERMS HAVE ON THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY?
With midterm elections season in full swing, both parties are promoting infrastructure proposals as they each pursue control of Congress. On one side of the aisle, Democrats are reminding voters of the passed infrastructure bill, supply chain semiconductor bill, and COVID-19 relief. While on the other side, Republicans are telling voters that they will reduce inflation, supply chain bottlenecks and enhance supply chain connectivity. So, what does this fight for chambers mean for the trucking industry? Is there a side that will solve the lingering supply chain issues? Or, will it have to be a bipartisan effort? Find out with TT's government expert, Eugene Mulero, as he unveils the competitive battle happening on The Hill. Tune in.
26 MINS
HOW CAN ADAS TECHNOLOGY RAISE THE BAR FOR SAFETY IN TRUCKING?
The latest generation of advanced driver-assist systems are introducing new features to further enhance safety in the trucking industry. But these safety gains can only be realized if fleets choose to adopt these systems and professional drivers accept the technology. Will the trucking industry embrace these next-generation driver-assist capabilities? ZF’s Julien Plenchette thinks the answer is yes. And he shows us how today’s ADAS technologies can support drivers and make them feel better behind the wheel in this special episode of RoadSigns.
36 MINS
INSIDE THE LIST: HOW TT'S TOP 50 GLOBAL FREIGHT COMPANIES ARE PREPARINGFOR AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE
After spending the past two years contending with supply-chain disruptions and severe port congestion, the world’s largest freight transportation providers now face high inflation and economic uncertainty heading into 2023. In this episode we examine how international shippers and their freight transportation providers have been reevaluating their supply-chains and preparing for an uncertain future. Tune in to learn more about the latest trends and challenges for international freight.
35 MINS
WHAT ARE TRUCKING PROFESSIONALS MOST THANKFUL FOR?
This Thanksgiving meet the truck-driver-turned-writer whose book, Overcoming Challenge: The Tar Billy Way, is helping thousands of everyday people lead with positivity. Then, break bread with the philanthropist whose truck-driver-focused charity seeks to ensure that drivers who need help, get it. In this heartwarming episode of RoadSigns, Ernest Hamilton and Etienne Hightower will remind you that magnanimity and kindness are all around - and trucking is a springboard for both.
22 MINS
WHY SHOULD THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY CARE ABOUT CYBERSECURITY?
On February 17, 2020 a privately-owned transportation and supply chain management company was attacked by malware. The company was a notable trucking industry for-hire company player with a strong IT team and plentiful resources. And, yet, even this well-oiled company was not cyber-attack proof. If cyber security threats can take down these digital systems, what will they do to yours? Can you prepare? In this episode, host Michael Freeze relays the company story and discusses strategies that need to be implemented to avoid cyber-attacks. To crystallize the conversation, he brings in a 30-year veteran of automotive cyber security, vehicle electronics and diagnostics systems. Tune in to their conversation, and you will be on your way to securing your digital storehouse and precious data.
34 MINS
CELEBRATING 100 EPISODES: WHERE IS TRUCKING HEADED?
One hundred episodes. Over one hundred guests. And, most importantly, one hundred critical trucking questions... answered. The first episode of RoadSigns asked, "Autonomous: Who's Behind the Wheel of Tomorrow?" To answer, Seth Clevenger brought in Alex Rodrigues of Embark who was just starting off in the autonomous trucking sector. Two rookies tackling the biggest question of their time and setting the stage for the future. Now, four years later, we've acquired an entire roster of extraordinary guests in tech, autonomous trucking, workforce development and trucking equipment, along with an irreplaceable co-host, Michael Freeze. For the next 30 minutes, see where trucking was in 2018, where it's going in 2023, and how RoadSigns podcast has enjoyed every minute in between — helping you, our listeners, navigate the trucking road ahead.